City Hall  
107 N. Nevada Avenue  
Colorado Springs, CO  
80903  
City of Colorado Springs  
Meeting Minutes  
City Council  
City Council meetings are broadcast live on Channel 18. In  
accordance with the ADA, anyone requiring an auxiliary aid to  
participate in this meeting should make the request as soon as  
possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.  
Tuesday, November 28, 2023  
10:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
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Before the meeting, you may email general comments for items not on the agenda or  
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During the meeting, those who wish to comment should submit their name, telephone number,  
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730 878#  
Estimated agenda item times are provided for planning purposes and do not constitute notice  
of a specific time for any item. Items may take more or less time than estimated. City Council  
may amend the order of items.  
1. Call to Order and Roll Call  
President Helms called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.  
9 -  
Present:  
Councilmember Yolanda Avila, President Pro Tem Lynette Crow-Iverson,  
Councilmember Dave Donelson, President Randy Helms, Councilmember Nancy  
Henjum, Councilmember David Leinweber, Councilmember Mike O'Malley,  
Councilmember Brian Risley, and Councilmember Michelle Talarico  
Councilmember O’Malley attended the meeting virtually.  
President Pro Tem Crow- Iverson left the meeting at approximately 11:45 and  
returned at approximately 12:06 PM.  
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance  
The Invocation was made by Retired Army Ranger Chaplain Colonel Terry  
McBride.  
President Helms led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
3. Changes to Agenda/Postponements  
President Helms stated item 12.A. will be taken at 1:00 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, stated Councilmember Donelson has  
requested items 4B.J. and 4B.K. to be removed from the Consent  
Calendar.  
Consensus of Council agreed to these changes on the agenda.  
4. Consent Calendar  
These items will be acted upon as a whole, unless a specific item is called for  
discussion by a Councilmember or a citizen wishing to address the City Council.  
(Any items called up for separate consideration shall be acted upon following the  
Mayor's Business.)  
4A. Second Presentation:  
23-397  
4A.A.  
Ordinance No. 23-63 repealing Ordinance No. 22-89 and Adopting the  
City of Colorado Springs - 2024 Salary Structure for Civilian and Sworn  
Municipal Employees  
Presenter:  
Mike Sullivan, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 2024 Salary Schedule (1).pdf  
11-13-23 - Ordinance - 2024 Salary Schedule  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-63.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
23-529  
4A.B.  
Ordinance no. 23-64 repealing Ordinance No. 23-12, And Amending  
Section 3 Of Ordinance No. 14-20 (An Ordinance Confirming The  
Mayor’s Appointment Of The City Attorney And Setting The Salary Of  
The City Attorney), And Section 3 Of Ordinance No. 18-120 (An  
Ordinance Appointing The City Council Administrator And Setting The  
Salary Of The City Council Administrator), And Section 3 Of Ordinance  
No. 21-06 (An Ordinance Appointing Jacqueline Rowland As City  
Auditor And Prescribing Her Duties, Compensation, And Tenure In  
Office), And Prescribing The Salaries Of The City Attorney, City Council  
Administrator, And City Auditor  
Presenter:  
Michael Sullivan, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer  
Attachments: 2024 Appointee Salary Ordinance  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-64.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
23-600  
4A.C.  
Ordinance No. 23-66 annexing to the City of Colorado Springs that area  
known as North Gate Boulevard Addition No. 8 annexation consisting of  
1.37-acres located at North Gate Boulevard and Struthers Road  
intersection.  
(Legislative)  
Presenter:  
Katelynn Wintz, Planning Supervisor, Planning and Neighborhood  
Services  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning and Neighborhood Services  
Attachments: ORD_Northgate8  
Exhibit A - Legal North Gate Blvd Add No 8  
Annex Plat North Gate Blvd Add No 8  
Planner Affidavit  
Surveyor Affidavit  
Staff Presentation_NothGate 8  
StaffReport_Northgate ANEX  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-66.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
23-601  
4A.D.  
Ordinance No. 23-67 annexing to the City of Colorado Springs that area  
known as North Gate Boulevard Addition No. 9 annexation consisting of  
0.55-acres located west of North Gate Boulevard and Struthers Road  
intersection.  
Presenter:  
Katelynn Wintz, Planning Supervisor, Planning and Neighborhood  
Services  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning and Neighborhood Services  
Attachments: ORD_Northgate9  
Signed Resolution No. 140-23.pdf  
Exhibit A - Legal North Gate Blvd Add No 9  
Annex Plat North Gate Blvd Add No 9  
Planner Affidavit  
Surveyor Affidavit  
Staff Presentation_NorthgateAdd9  
StaffReport_Northgate ANEX  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-67.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
23-602  
4A.E.  
Ordinance No. 23-68 annexing to the City of Colorado Springs that area  
known as Woodmen Road Addition No. 2 annexation consisting of  
1.60-acres located northwest of Woodmen Road and Chapel Lane  
intersection.  
(Legislative)  
Presenter:  
Katelynn Wintz, Planning Supervisor, Planning and Neighborhood  
Services  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning and Neighborhood Services  
Attachments: ORD_Woodmen2  
Signed Resolution No. 141-23.pdf  
Exhibit A_WoodmenRoadAdd2_LegalDesc  
Annex Plat Woodmen Road Add 2  
Planner Affidavit  
Surveyor Affidavit  
Staff Presentation_Woodmen Addition 2  
StaffReport_WoodmenANEX  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-68.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
4B. First Presentation:  
23-620  
4B.A.  
4B.B.  
4B.C.  
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 14, 2023  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 11-14-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Final  
The Minutes were approved on the Consent Calendar.  
23-623  
Appointments to the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority  
Presenter:  
Randy Helms, Council President and Councilmember District 2  
Attachments: PPRTA Appointments  
This Item was approved on the Consent Calendar.  
23-518  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at zero (0.00) mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Briargate Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Briargate SIMD map  
Resolution re Mill Levy for Briargate SIMD_11 13 23  
Signed Resolution No. 191-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-497  
4B.D.  
4B.E.  
4B.F.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 1.009 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Colorado Avenue Gateway Special  
Improvement Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Fix Mill Levy for Colo Ave Gateway SIMD_11.13.23  
Colo Ave Gateway SIMD map  
136 Gateway budget letter 230906  
Signed Resolution No. 192-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-498  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 3.935 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Nor’wood Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Norwood SIMD_11.13.23  
Norwood SIMD map  
132 Norwood Budget Letter 230928  
Signed Resolution No. 193-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-499  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 13.416 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Old Colorado City Security & Maintenance  
District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Old Colorado City SIMD 11.13.23  
Old Colo City SIMD map  
131 Old Colo City budget letter 230920  
Signed Resolution No. 194-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-500  
4B.G.  
4B.H.  
4B.I.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at $1.10 per front footage of real  
property within the Platte Avenue Special Improvement Maintenance  
District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Platte Ave SIMD_11.13.23  
PLATTEAVESID-Tax-Map  
137 Platte Budget Letter 230928  
Signed Resolution No. 195-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-501  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 3.858 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Stetson Hills Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Stetson Hills SIMD_11.13.23  
Stetson Hills SIMD map  
134 Stetson Budget Letter 230918  
Signed Resolution No. 196-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-502  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 3.615 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Woodstone Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Woodstone SIMD_11.13.23  
Woodstone SIMD map  
135 Woodstone budget letter 230918  
Signed Resolution No. 197-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-598  
4B.L.  
A Resolution adopting final form of the Agreement and Joint Plan for the  
Exclusion of Certain Property from the Black Forest Fire Rescue  
Protection District  
Presenter:  
Frederick Stein, Public Safety Attorney  
Attachments: City_Resolution-FINAL  
CouncilPresentation-Exhibit-PropertyMap  
Property_Exclusion_List_2023  
AgreementJoint Plan for Exclusion-BlackForest-Eff2024-FINAL1.docx  
Signed Resolution No. 200-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-548  
4B.M.  
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Property Located at 38  
Bluestem Way, Fairplay, Colorado to be Used for a Watershed  
Caretaker Residence  
Presenter:  
Jessica K. Davis, Land Resource Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Attachments: 3 - CC Resolution_38 Bluestem 11-6-23  
2 - CC Presentation_38 Bluestem 11-6-23  
Signed Resolution No. 201-23.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
23-610  
4B.N.  
The City Clerk reports that on November 13, 2023 there was filed with  
her a petition for the annexation of 7770 Black Forest Addition No 1  
Annexation. The City Clerk herewith communicates such to City Council  
and recommends that the petition and map be referred to the City  
Administration for review and recommendation regarding whether the  
petition is in substantial compliance with Section 31-12-107(1).  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 1 Annexation Plat.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 1 Memo.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 1 Petition for Annexation.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 1 Vicinity Map.pdf  
7770 BLACKFOREST Addition No. 1_Legal Description.pdf  
This Item was approved on the Consent Calendar.  
23-611  
4B.O.  
The City Clerk reports that on November 13, 2023 there was filed with  
her a petition for the annexation of 7770 Black Forest Addition No 2  
Annexation. The City Clerk herewith communicates such to City Council  
and recommends that the petition and map be referred to the City  
Administration for review and recommendation regarding whether the  
petition is in substantial compliance with Section 31-12-107(1).  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 2 Annexation Plat.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 2 Memo.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 2 Vicinity Map.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 2_legal description.pdf  
7770 Black Forest Road Addition No. 2_Petition for Annexation.pdf  
This Item was approved on the Consent Calendar.  
23-612  
4B.P.  
The City Clerk reports that on November 13, 2023 there was filed with  
her a petition for the annexation of Brass-Oliver Addition No 1  
Annexation. The City Clerk herewith communicates such to City Council  
and recommends that the petition and map be referred to the City  
Administration for review and recommendation regarding whether the  
petition is in substantial compliance with Section 31-12-107(1).  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Brass-Oliver Addition No. 1 Annexation Plat.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition No. 1 Memo.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition No. 1 Vicinity Map.pdf  
BRASS-OLIVER Addition No. 1_Legal Description.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition No. Petition for Annexation.pdf  
This Item was approved on the Consent Calendar.  
23-613  
4B.Q.  
The City Clerk reports that on November 13, 2023 there was filed with  
her a petition for the annexation of Brass-Oliver Addition No 2  
Annexation. The City Clerk herewith communicates such to City Council  
and recommends that the petition and map be referred to the City  
Administration for review and recommendation regarding whether the  
petition is in substantial compliance with Section 31-12-107(1).  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Brass-Oliver Addition No 2 Legal Description.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition No. 2 Vicinity Map.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition No. 2 Annexation Plat.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition No. 2 Memo.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition no. 2_Petition for Annexation_Brass.pdf  
Brass-Oliver Addition no. 2_Petition for Annexation_Oliver.pdf  
This Item was approved on the Consent Calendar.  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
Motion by Councilmember Leinweber, seconded by Councilmember  
Donelson, that all matters on the Consent Calendar be passed, adopted, and  
approved by unanimous consent of the members present. The motion passed  
by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Avila, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley,  
and Talarico  
5. Recognitions  
23-639  
5.A.  
Appointments to City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committees  
Presenter:  
Randy Helms, Council President and Councilmember District 2  
Attachments: 112823 Boards Commissions and Committee Appointments  
President Helms presented the City Council Appointments to Boards,  
Commissions, and Committees.  
Councilmember Donelson expressed appreciation for the nominees who  
wish to serve on the Independent Ethics Commission and gave a brief  
overview of the interview process.  
Motion by Councilmember Henjum, seconded by Councilmember Donelson, that  
the Appointments to City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committees be  
approved. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Avila, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and  
Talarico  
23-624  
5.B.  
A Resolution honoring December 7, 2023 as Pearl Harbor  
Remembrance Day  
Presenter:  
Dave Donelson, Councilmember District 1  
Attachments: Pearl Harbor  
Signed Resolution No. 202-23.pdf  
Councilmember Donelson honored Donald Stratton, World War II Veteran,  
and read the Resolution honoring December 7, 2023 as Pearl Harbor  
Remembrance Day.  
Councilmember Donelson, Councilmember O’Malley, President Helms,  
and Mayor Yemi asked everyone to take a moment on December 7, 2023  
to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  
Motion by President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson, seconded by Councilmember  
Leinweber, that the Resolution honoring December 7, 2023 as Pearl Harbor  
Remembrance Day be adopted. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Avila, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and  
Talarico  
23-616  
5.C.  
A Resolution to acknowledge and endorse the impressive achievement  
of accreditation by the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency  
Management.  
Presenter:  
Randy Helms, Council President and District 2 Councilmember  
Yemi Mobolade, Mayor, Colorado Springs  
Andrew Notbohm, Director, Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency  
Management  
Attachments: Accreditation Resolution 11.28.2023 Revised.doc  
Signed Resolution No. 203-23.pdf  
President Helms read a Resolution to acknowledge and endorse the  
achievement of accreditation by the Pikes Peak Regional Office of  
Emergency Management (PPROEM).  
Mayor Yemi recognized the PPROEM for receiving the highest marks from  
the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) and stated to  
achieve this accreditation, applicants must demonstrate they meet top  
emergency management standards, proven capabilities in disaster  
preparedness and response system. He stated this accreditation is valid  
for five years, this stamp of approval says the City is both ready to prepare  
our residents and ready to respond to disasters, the City is one of only a  
handful of Regional offices that have received this accreditation which  
takes great leadership and a great team.  
Andrew Notbohm, Director, PPROEM, introduced the members of his  
team and expressed gratitude for all the work they have done.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if there are any areas the City should be  
looking at regarding preparedness. Mr. Notbohm stated they are continuing  
to look at the messaging campaign and working with Colorado Springs  
Police Department (CSPD) and the Colorado Springs Fire Department  
(CSFD).  
Motion by Councilmember Henjum, seconded by Councilmember Talarico, that  
the Resolution honoring December 7, 2023 as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day be  
adopted. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Avila, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and  
Talarico  
6. Mayor's Business  
There was no Mayor’s Business.  
7. Citizen Discussion For Items Not On Today's Agenda  
Citizen Samantha Stang ceded their time to David Stang who spoke about  
Colorado Springs Utilities sewer line backup in his basement due to  
pieces of asphalt in the line and about the struggles he has encountered  
regarding the cost of cleanup and repairs.  
Jeannete Caproon ceded their time to Citizen Kathy Pennington, Citizen  
Tammy Burghardt ceded their time to Joe Ryman, Byron Burghardt ceded  
their time to Kathy Murray, who spoke about a recent home break in and  
speeding vehicles in the Valley Hi subdivision, the lack of timely police  
response, and requested speed bumps and police presence, and  
streetlights be added to the neighborhood.  
Citizens Ethan Stewart, Brenden Paul, and Kaviya Chidambaram, students  
from Colorado College, spoke about updating Regional Building Codes to  
include energy efficiency requirements for new developments.  
Citizen Tim Hoiles spoke in opposition to the variance granted to the  
Colorado Springs Utilities water tank and bureaucrats not providing City  
Council the information they need and Council not having their own legal  
representative.  
Citizen Janice Moglen stated Colorado is leading the nation in transitioning  
toward one hundred percent renewable energy and spoke about the  
Pueblo wind power plant.  
Citizen Dana Duggan spoke about the Emergency Management  
Accreditation Program (EMAP).  
8. Items Called Off Consent Calendar  
23-506  
4B.J.  
A Resolution Fixing and Certifying the 2023 Tax Levy for Taxes Payable  
in 2024 at 5.000 Mills for the Colorado Springs Downtown Development  
Authority in Colorado Springs, Colorado  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 01_Res to Fix Mill Levy for DDA_11 13 23  
11.13.2023 DDA & BID City Council  
Signed Resolution No. 198-23.pdf  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Resolution fixing  
and certifying the 2023 tax levy for taxes payable in 2024 at 5.000 mills for  
the Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the DDA hires the Downtown  
Partnership to do certain functions and provides roughly half the funding.  
Susan Edmondson, Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority  
(DDA) confirmed that the DDA provides a little less than half of the funding.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the Downtown Partnership endorses  
certain people as Councilmembers and the Mayor. Ms. Edmondson stated  
only At-Large and District 3 Council positions. Councilmember Donelson  
asked if they take positions on ballot items. Ms. Edmondson stated at  
times, they do. Councilmember Donelson stated for that reason and that  
the Downtown Partnership chooses what goes up on the downtown streets  
such as lamp post banners and he sees the LGBTQ+ banner as advocacy  
and promotion for it, he will be voting against these items.  
President Helms stated that the City needs to represent all communities in  
the City and asked if endorsing a particular candidate or issue is legal. Ben  
Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, City Attorney’s Office, confirmed it is.  
Motion by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Henjum, that the  
Resolution to fix and certify the 2023 tax levy for taxes payable in 2024 at 5.000  
mills for the Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority. The motion  
passed by a vote of 7-1-1-0  
7 - Avila, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and Talarico  
Aye:  
No:  
1 - Donelson  
1 - Crow-Iverson  
Excused:  
23-507  
4B.K.  
A Resolution Approving the 2024 Budget for the Colorado Springs  
Downtown Development Authority in Colorado Springs Colorado  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 02_Res to Approve Budget for DDA_11.13.23  
DDA 2024 Preliminary Budget  
Signed Resolution No. 199-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 4B.J.  
Motion by Councilmember Henjum, seconded by Councilmember Talarico, that  
the Resolution approving the 2024 Budget for the Colorado Springs Downtown  
Development Authority in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The motion passed by a  
vote of 7-1-1-0  
7 - Avila, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and Talarico  
Aye:  
No:  
1 - Donelson  
1 - Crow-Iverson  
Excused:  
9. Utilities Business  
There was no Utilities Business.  
10. Unfinished Business  
23-395  
10.A.  
Ordinance No. 23-62 Making and Certifying the 2023 Tax Levy for Taxes  
Payable in 2024 at 3.579 Mills (comprised of a general operating mill  
levy of 4.279 mills and a temporary tax credit of 0.70 mills) Upon Each  
Dollar of Assessed Valuation of All Taxable Property and a Tax Credit of  
3.579 Mills Upon Each Dollar of Assessed Valuation of All Taxable  
Business Personal Property Within the Corporate Limits of the City of  
Colorado Springs  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: TaxLevy2024-BPPT_CreditORD SB23B 11.28.23  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-62.pdf  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Ordinance  
certifying the 2023 tax levy for taxes payable in 2024 at 3.579 mills upon  
each dollar of assessed valuation of all taxable property and stated this is  
the first reading of this modified Ordinance due to the State Legislature  
passing a property tax reduction bill (SB 23B-001) and accommodate their  
change.  
There were no comments on this item.  
Motion by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Talarico, that the  
Ordinance making and certifying the 2023 tax levy for taxes payable in 2024 at  
3.579 mills (comprised of a general operating mill levy of 4.279 mills, and a  
temporary tax credit of 0.70 mills) upon each dollar of assessed valuation of all  
taxable property and a tax credit of 3.579 mills upon each dollar of assessed  
valuation of all taxable business personal property within the corporate limits of  
the City of Colorado Springs be approved on first reading. The motion passed by  
a vote of 8-0-1-0  
8 - Avila, Donelson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and Talarico  
1 - Crow-Iverson  
Aye:  
Excused:  
23-396  
10.B.  
Ordinance 23-65 Annual Appropriation Ordinance Adopting the Annual  
Budget and Appropriating Funds for the Several Purposes Named in  
Said Budget for the Year Ending December 31, 2024  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 2024 Budget Ordinance-11.13.23  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-65.pdf  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Ordinance  
adopting the annual budget for the City for the year ending December 31,  
2024.  
Citizen Jim Bensburg spoke in opposition of the proposed budget due to  
the cuts to the Colorado Springs Police Department and 911 Dispatch  
Center.  
President Helms stated the item Council is voting on today is the whole  
budget, it is not taking one department at a time and deciding winners or  
losers, all the Department Heads came together to determine this  
proposed budget including the Chief of Police and giving a four percent  
increase to sworn positions will assist in retention.  
Councilmember O’Malley stated he supports the proposed budget  
because it supports his core values of public safety and a business-friendly  
environment, but he would like to see more toward economic development.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated to not look at the whole picture is  
inappropriate and even though public safety is priority, they must look at the  
whole government and the Police Department is just part of the picture.  
Councilmember Donelson stated the other departments do not have to be  
gutted, the pay raises just have to be delayed for one to three months and  
that money could go to the Police Department, not all of the other  
departments are focused on public safety. He asked if there are any police  
vehicles being funded in the proposed budget. Ms. McDaniel confirmed  
there are and will be funded through the Fleet Department. Adrian  
Vasquez, Chief, Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), stated  
there is approximately $1.1 million allocated for police vehicles.  
Councilmember Donelson asked why it was important for the City to get  
back the two thousand hours of police overtime pay. Chief Vasquez stated  
the overtime that they looked at was $4.4 million of targeted decreases in  
overtime for things like community engagement, special projects, and the  
Real Crime Center that they are piloting, so the $100,000 that was added  
back into the budget gives them more flexibility to send Officers out for  
deployments that we might not have otherwise done.  
Councilmember Donelson stated citizens, like the ones from the Valley Hi  
neighborhood have voiced their concerns regarding people speeding,  
intimidating citizens that are driving on the streets, and gunfire at night, and  
they are asking for targeted enforcement and more patrol, and he will not  
vote for a budget which cuts that type of activity, and he does not believe  
this is the best for the citizens.  
President Helms stated the sworn personnel and dispatchers have been  
differentiated from the rest of City employees through the pay raise of four  
percent.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the 3.4 percent cut to the Police  
Department’s budget was restored, would it change how the Police  
Department addresses targeted enforcement and patrol. Chief Vasquez  
stated the biggest issue they face is not a budget issue, it is staffing. He  
stated the areas where they are cutting the budget are not going to impact  
the deployment of Officers for operational needs and he is confident with  
the proposed budget that they will be able to do everything we can within  
the realms of staffing.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what would happen to morale if the four  
percent wage increase was delayed. Chief Vasquez stated the Police  
profession has a lot of things making it very difficult to be a Police Officer  
and they are comparing their pay to the Denver metro area and the pay  
raises are significant to the Officers morale because they believe that they  
should be paid for a very dangerous job in one of the most difficult times in  
policing and it would be detrimental to take those pay raises away.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what Council can do to help. Chief Vasquez  
stated they the things which impact Officer’s morale come from a lot of  
different directions, but overall, they are doing pretty good because they  
are trying very hard to remedy difficult situations and make things the best,  
they can for them.  
Councilmember Henjum stated everyone on Council wants a safe City and  
they should continue the conversation regarding safety, but this proposed  
budget has been vetted and believes Council should support City staff.  
Councilmember Avila stated it is difficult to have to look at cuts in the  
budget but believes the strong leadership has worked extremely hard to put  
it together, other departments such as Parks and Cultural Service, Public  
Works, and Economic Development also had to take budget cuts and she  
will be supporting the proposed budget.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if all the money allocated for overtime in  
2023 is expected to be spent. Chief Vasquez stated it is a very fluid budget  
and if they need to deploy Officers, they will, and will use the overtime  
money if necessary.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how they are cutting $800,000 from the  
911 Call Center. Chief Vasquez there are cost savings based on how  
many people they are actually able to employ, and they are not cutting  
hiring or positions. Ms. McDaniel stated they are budgeting for what they  
anticipate the staffing will be as opposed to thinking that they are going to  
have every single position filled, they included that attrition factor in part of  
the budgeting forecast, so they anticipate an amount of turnover and they  
have taken that as part of the reduction.  
Councilmember Henjum stated because the City’s General Fund Budget is  
so dependent on sales tax revenue which is so volatile and would like to  
look at long-term solutions, so they do not have to face these challenges in  
the future.  
Motion by Councilmember O'Malley, seconded by Councilmember Talarico, that  
the annual appropriation Ordinance adopting the annual budget and  
appropriating funds for the several purposes named in said budget for the year  
ending December 31, 2024 be finally passed. The motion passed by a vote of  
8-2-0-0  
7 - Avila, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and Talarico  
2 - Crow-Iverson, and Donelson  
Aye:  
No:  
11. New Business  
23-505  
11.A.  
A Resolution Approving the 2024 Budget for Pikes Peak Regional  
Building Department  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Roger Lovell, Building Official, Pikes Peak Regional Building  
Department  
Erin Garcia, Finance Director, Pikes Peak Regional Building  
Department  
Attachments: 2024 Budget Presentation - City Council Work Session  
2024 Final Budget  
2024 PPRBD Budget Resolution-11.27.23  
Signed Resolution No. 204-23.pdf  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer presented the Resolution  
approving the 2024 budget for the Pikes Peak Regional Building  
Department.  
There were no comments on this item.  
Motion by Councilmember Donelson, seconded by Councilmember Henjum, that  
the Resolution e adopting the 2024 Budget for Pikes Peak Regional Building  
Department be adopted. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Avila, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and  
Talarico  
12. Public Hearing  
12.A. ZONE-23-00 Ordinance No. 23-61 amending the zoning map of the City of Colorado  
12  
Springs relating to 1.23 acres located at 4760 Flintridge Drive from  
MX-N (Mixed Use Neighborhood Scale) to MX-M (Mixed Use Medium  
Scale) zone district for a convenience store and fuel canopy.  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
Presenter:  
Austin Cooper, Planner II, Planning + Neighborhood Services.  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning + Neighborhood Services  
Attachments: Ordinance_Quik Trip Academy and Flintridge  
Quik Trip Staff Report  
Figure 1 - Project Statement  
Figure 2 - Public Comments  
Figure 3 - Public Comment Response  
Figure 4 - Exhibit A  
Figure 5 - Exhibit B  
Figure 6 - Trip Generation Comparison  
7.5.502.E Development Plan Review  
7.5.603.B Findings - ZC  
7.A-B. Staff_Quik Trip Zone Change  
Signed Ordinance No. 23-61.pdf  
Austin Cooper, Planner II, Planning and Neighborhood Services, presented  
the Ordinance amending the zoning map of the City relating to 1.23 acres  
located at 4760 Flintridge Drive from MX-N (Mixed Use Neighborhood  
Scale) to MX-M (Mixed Use Medium Scale) zone district for a convenience  
store (QuikTrip) and fuel canopy. He provided an overview of the vicinity  
map, project summary, site plan, background, agency review, stakeholder  
involvement, public comment analysis, staff review, compatibility with  
PlanCOS, review criteria, and proposed motions.  
Jeff Babb, Real Estate Manager, QuikTrip, representing the applicant,  
provided an overview of Quik Trip, their purpose, investments in  
communities, store security, store offerings, store design, and gas canopy.  
President Helms asked if the office buildings on the west side of the lot will  
remain. Mr. Babb confirmed they would.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why they chose Colorado Springs. Mr.  
Babb stated Colorado Springs is a fast-growing economy and City.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if they have plans to over electric vehicle  
charging capability. Mr. Babb stated they will be ready for it when the time  
comes, but this site does not currently offer it.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the business is family owned. Mr. Babb  
confirmed it is.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what the hours of operation are. Mr. Babb  
stated it is twenty-four hours. Councilmember Donelson stated he is  
concerned about the residents across the parking lot who will be exposed  
to this 24/7.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how they will address people  
experiencing homelessness on the property. Mr. Babb stated safety is  
there number one priority and the manager will ask them to leave.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he is concerned they will just move to the  
edge of the parking lot.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he believes the noise, cars, and activity  
will negatively impact the neighborhood, and accidents at the intersection  
of Flintridge and Academy will be detrimental to the residents.  
Mr. Babbs stated they did their due diligence to hold a neighborhood  
meeting and conduct a traffic study to show they are going to be a friendly  
neighbor and be a positive influence on the community.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if of sixteen letters received by the  
Planning Department if any of them were in favor of the project. Mr. Austin  
stated there were not, but Ent Credit Union wrote requesting additional  
information regarding the Development Plans but did not express any  
opinion regarding the project.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if Academy Boulevard is a quiet street.  
Mr. Austin stated it is a principal arterial roadway.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if the surrounding commercial parking  
lots are currently lighted twenty-four hours per day. Mr. Austin confirmed  
they are.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated it is several blocks to the nearest  
convenience store so will this project, the neighborhood could walk to pick  
up milk which would reduce traffic.  
Councilmember Donelson stated project site is at the very edge of the  
Garden Ranch neighborhood and residents buy their milk at the King  
Soopers near Flintridge Drive and Westwood Boulevard. He read several  
comments from the letters received in opposition to the project and stated  
City Council should only approve this zone change only if the findings are  
made that the action will not be detrimental to the public interest, their  
health, their safety, convenience, or general welfare and he thinks there are  
some concerns on several of those criteria. Councilmember Donelson  
stated the City has an interest in quiet neighborhoods, the office buildings  
which currently exist block the sound generated from Academy Boulevard,  
those buildings are closed on weekends and in the evening time and  
encouraged City Council to vote no on this zone change.  
Motion by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Henjum, that the  
Ordinance approving the zone change of 1.23 acres from MX-N (Mixed-Use  
Neighborhood) to MX-M (Mixed-Use Medium Scale) based upon the findings that  
the request complies with the criteria for a Zoning Map Amendment as set forth  
in City Code Section 7.5.603 be finally passed. The motion passed by a vote of  
8-1-0-0  
8 - Avila, Crow-Iverson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and Talarico  
1 - Donelson  
Aye:  
No:  
12.B. DEPN-23-00 Quik Trip Development Plan for a convenience store with fuel canopy on  
83  
1.23 acres located at 4760 Flintridge Drive.  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
Presenter:  
Austin Cooper, Planner II, Planning + Neighborhood Services.  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning + Neighborhood Services  
Attachments: Development Plan  
7.5.502.E Development Plan Review  
Please see comments in Agenda item 12.A.  
Motion by Councilmember O'Malley, seconded by Councilmember Leinweber,  
that the QuikTrip Development Plan based upon the findings that the request  
complies with the criteria as set forth in City Code Section 7.5.502 be approved.  
The motion passed by a vote of 8-1-0-0  
8 - Avila, Crow-Iverson, Helms, Henjum, Leinweber, O'Malley, Risley, and Talarico  
1 - Donelson  
Aye:  
No:  
13. Added Item Agenda  
There were no items added to the Agenda.  
14. Executive Session  
There was no Executive Session.  
15. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, President  
Helms adjourned the meeting at 2:15 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk